Wichita eagle., 1887-07-19
A NOBLE GIRLS LOVE.

| ing of special note occurred to relieve the
tediousness of his journey; he arrived at his
destination much shattered and fatigued. I'M
mediate rest was needed, so he sought a
boarding house in dull, quiet part Of the
city, and for some days enjoyed the seclusion
and rest he stood so much in need of. His
meals were brought to his room, and there
fore he had no opportunity to make the ac-
quaintance of his fellow boarders. The house
was run by a matronly looking woman
named Wentworth, whose only weakness
seemed to be her voluble tongue. However,
she atoned somewhat for this in the excellent
quality of her menu, and, as this is the para
mount object sought for in a boarding house,
whatever foibles she possessed in the eyes Of
her tenants were graci ously overlooked.
Her daughter, comely young girl of II
years, assisted her in the household duties
and at evening usually entertained the house
with pleasing music on the piano. One even
ing as Harlow was enjoying a fragrant
Havana in his room, and musing retrospect
lively over old scenes and faces, the soft,
plaintive strains of delicate but musical
voice seemed to emanate from the parlor be-
low. There was something in the tone of the
voice that told him he had never heard it
there before. The air spoke volumes Of sad
ness and breathed such pathos and distress
that he turned involuntarily in his chair, and
noticing in the mirror at the other side of the
room what a change it had wrought in his
features, he jumped up suddenly and was
about to shut out the voice from his hearing,
when it suddenly stopped. The music had
piqued his curiosity. He would know the
owner of that pathetic voice.
The chatting of two women below told him
that some lady friend of Bertha-Mrs. Went
worth's daughter-was probably paying her
friendly visit He dressed himself hastily
and repaired to the parlor, where, under the
pretext of wishing to be called early in the
morning, he had an opportunity Of speaking
to Bertha. She seemed pleased to be of SER
vice to him and invited him in. The Rubicon
passed, he was soon engaged in delectable
conversation with Cora Lane, to whom he
had been introduced by Bertha.
OF all fair faces he had ever seen hers was
the fairest. There was an dir of melancholy
suffusing the entire features that seemed in
keeping with the sad, blue eyes. the express
sion of which completely charmed him.
Something indefnable in her sweet, gentle
manner felt its way deeply into his breast
and caused it to beat with rapture. He could
lovely face SO great was his infatuation.
That night as he lay on his couch, with the
picture of one fair face engrossing his every
thought, be felt, he knew, that Cora Lane
was the only woman be would ever love. 1t
was late next morning when he arose, despite
the fact that Bertha had done his bidding
His first impulse was to rush to her and
learn all she knew of Cora, but better judg-
Ill al
through quiet inquiries all he could about his
new found love. Bertha, however, antici-
pated him. She saw, with womans quick
ness, the profound look of admiration on his
visage as he sat gazing at her friend the night
previous, and intuitively surmising that he
wished to know something of her friend, told
him of her own accord all that she knew.
Cora was employed as saleslady in MILL
ner establishment. She was 20 years old,
was supposed to be an orphan, and came
originally from the east"
This was all Bertha knew Of her, although
she dwelt eloquently on her amiable manners
and goodness of heart.
Every night for two weeks Harlow saw his
love safely home, but not as an escort He
could not nerve himself to meet those great
blue eyes, for he felt that the venture would
lead him to passionate avowal of the latest
love that was surging against his heart like a
vast billow. No, he must strive to beat down
the vehement attachment that was almost
consuming him and let time shape his fortunes.
Harlow had passed two evenings at the
house Of Cora, and each time he set eyes on
her some new born charm revealed itself to
his enamored vision. A certain air of con-
slant reserve in her demeanor awed down all
efforts on his part to divulge the dictates of
his heart. If the mellow gaze that wreathed
her face at times conveyed to his mind the
looks of reciprocal affection, its relaxation
into G moody, apathetic stare dispeIled the
felicitous thought. Still, bis manner and con-
versation appeared to please and entertain
her, and at times she grew eloquent in her
responses.
One moonlight evening, when the stars
studded the vaulted heaven with unwonted
brilliancy and bracing breezes stole softly
through the trees and flowers, bringing with
them tie invigorating influence of balmy
evening in May. Harlow unbosomed his heart
to her. He told her in imprisoned but
guarded tones of his alteration; how life
without her would be dismal blank; how he
had watched her night after night, and felt
happy q know that he was close to the
woman hc loved; how eagerly be had looked
forward TO the time when he could tell her
all She listened demurely, with downcast
eyes, but uttered not a word. That she did
not demonstrate with him reconciled him to
the belief that the affection was mutual. At
last she spoke, and her melodious voice thrilled
him with delight.
She told him she dearly loved him-loved
him for his kindness to her; that ever since
she first saw him his image was indissolubly
mingled with her day dreams; every moment
in his presence seemed an hour OF happiness
TO her.
These endearing words threw Off the re-
straint he had sustained, and in the ardency
OF his fondness he drew her to his side and
repeatedly kissed the pale, upturned lips.
Cora, you viii be my wife" he said, look
ing down upon her with unspeakable JOY, as
if the answer be sought was already his.
She drew herself gently from his embrace,
and the gaze in her lovely eyes appeared to
pass over him 10 space beyond. She spoke IS
if in q dream.
THAT can never be- she uttered, at the
same time throwing her arms about him and
sobbing bitterly, as if in deep anguish.
To be refused by woman who had juS
avowed herself in love seemed strange an.
omaly to him i hundred conjec:ures flied
his brain at that moment Was her heart
preoccupiei! Was there man on earth who
adored Cora Lane more than be did. Why
could She not be his wifel
Don't ask me why, John 1t Is better fol
Us il We see each other no more. Forgive me
Il ] make you unhappy, but it can never he;
- be YOUR wife would only bring sorrow and
distress 20 our home
Her enigmatical words puzzled him Cora,
dearest, l viii forgive everything. We VIII
NJ